Forever 21

Who doesn’t love a good OTS (off-the-shoulder) top and a great pair of linen pants?? I have practically been living in breathable fabrics with this outrageous Texas heat. If you live in Texas you know exactly what I’m talking about. The type of weather where you walk outside and before you’ve been standing there for 2 seconds you’re already drenched in sweat? Or when it gets to 115 degrees with 90% humidity, so you’re essentially living in a sauna?? I can’t say I love these Texas summers! That means I need to seriously be practical with what I’m going to wear out of the house.

Hello, Texas summer! As temps are rising during these summer months, my need to be near a cold body of water is rising! With that need comes the need for super cute swimwear! More like, super cute swimwear that fits me like a glove. And I am happy to say, my bikini needs have been met!

Who’s ready for summer!? ME, ME, ME!!! If you’re shopping for some extremely cute, yet affordable swimwear for summer keep on reading! Forever 21 is my one stop shop for all things summer and swim! I had the pleasure of partnering with them a couple of months ago to show off one entire summer look from F21 that won’t break the bank. This entire look consists of a hat, sunglasses, cover-up, bikini and a necklace that are all under $100 total! Most tops I see are over $100 alone, so this entire look is definitely a steal!

This shoot was beyond fun! More like, let me hurry up and change in the car to be in the freezing cold! And on top of that, it started pouring! Definitely wasn’t expecting to have to be in the pool, but totally jumped right in and quickly realized we didn’t have at towel on hand! The rain did not help that situation out at all. You can actually see the rain in a couple of the shots, which is pretty awesome looking!

Sizing info – If you are planning to shop Forever 21 swimwear, I would plan on ordering a size up. Their suits are cut pretty small and I like things to be covered up for the most part! This one was a tad small for me, if you can’t tell! ha!

Overall, I would definitely recommend anyone buy swim and accessories from Forever 21. I’m not one to want to splurge on swimwear or any of the accessories because I will, most likely, not be wearing swimwear that often unless I am on vacation or going to the lake. Which means, everything is going to get dirty. There’s no way I want to spend hundreds of dollars on something I won’t get that much use out of. You can literally get anything and everything at F21 – swim, accessories, beach bags, towels, etc.

How many of y’all are familiar with Maumero Shoes? For those of you who aren’t, let me introduce you. I came across Maumero while searching for leopard flats and was instantly drawn to this amazing brand. Not only do they have fabulous shoes but they are also a charitable company. 10% of each shoe sale will be donated to one of the participating charities of your choosing. Now, who doesn’t love that?

Maumero’s goal is simple. To make shoes that make a difference in the way you feel with every step. Each shoe is outrageously carefully constructed for comfort with special padding and leather lining. I got my leopard flats in and was hooked! They weren’t only comfortable but they were catching the eyes of other Austinites too!

Who’s ready for Spring?? Funny story; I LOVE winter. I mean, LOVEEEEEE the cold weather. I always choose to travel overseas when it is cold and rainy. Crazy, I know… But I have this thing with layers. Us Texans don’t get many opportunities to layer up in the winter time. But once I started blogging and photographing the same winter wear over and over again, I’m like, where the hell is Spring??? I feel like I am literally wearing the same layers and blanket scarves with cozy sweaters all day everyday! Needless to say, I am a little burnt out on the cold weather wear.

But lucky for y’all, I am going to start incorporating more Spring and Resort wear on Instagram and the blog. Spring break is coming soon and quite a few of y’all will be taking some warmer, beach vacations!

First up, this gorgeous striped maxi! This Chicwish maxi was my absolute favorite dress this summer. I posted about it a TON and had an extremely good reaction from the photos and posts. Every time I walk in my closet I see this super cute summer dress and finally just had to wear it; even though it was about 45 degrees outside. That’s the good thing about maxi dresses! You can winterize them extremely easily. This post is a good example – just throw a scarf and leather jacket on and you are good to go!

Shift dresses are my favorite type of dress to wear. Not only are they flattering on practically everyone, they are extremely slimming if you find a style that suits your body type. I have had amazing luck finding great quality fitting dresses from Forever 21 in the Contemporary section of the store. Sizes run a little larger, but the fabric is much better quality than you would normally see and the outfits themselves are more classic and mature. In the past 3-5 years, I have definitely seen a major improvement in Forever 21‘s overall aesthetic in design and quality. I suggest everyone take a gander at what they have to offer now!

PLUS shopping online at Forever 21 gives you the opportunity to return your items for a FULL REFUND! Unlike shopping in the store, which means you only get a store credit.

Now, time to get some shopping done! Did I mention this layered dress is only $29!?

As the joy of gift giving fades and the reality of holiday spending hits your bank account this January, bargain shopping for fabulous style is a resolution must. Ideally, we could buy anything we wanted at Neiman Marcus, regardless of the price tag. But that’s not the real world, and besides, it’s just as easy to achieve that $1,000 look without breaking the bank. My motto is wear what you love, no matter your budget. Either of these almost-identical winter looks is perfect for cozying up by the fire or toasting the new year with your girlfriends. With drastically different price tags, you can strut a winter-chic wardrobe in style and within your own budget.

*Click photo to enlarge*

When to Splurge, When to Save

Save: Jewelry

Jewelry is a great example of how to look like a million bucks without spending a fortune. While nice watches and classic jewelry are great investment items, inexpensive costume jewelry is a fabulous way to stay on trend without dipping into your savings for a new pair of earrings.

Save: Boots

Over-the-knee boots are the trend right now, and we are seeing them everywhere: in magazines and style blogs, on models and friends. Boots are usually a splurge item for me because a well-made (and typically more expensive) pair of leather boots will last much longer than a poorly made (and typically less expensive) option. However, I broke the bank buying the seemingly splurge-worthy Stuart Weitzman over-the-knee boots, but then I found a similar pair for less than $300 that I actually receive more compliments on. In this case, save your money for another splurge!

Splurge: Handbags

Classic handbags like this Chanel Boy bag are wardrobe staples that can be passed on to your kids and grandkids. These types of handbags are iconic for a reason: They last a lifetime. Years of good use and impeccable style help justify the designer investment. Luckily, if you’re simply not in the market for this type of luxury item, there are countless alternative options that will give you the same style at a fraction of the cost.

Save: Clothes

Bottom line: I can’t justify $595 on a brand-name cardigan when I can find a look-alike piece from Forever 21 for $21.80. Except for staples (like a black leather jacket), clothing is a savings goldmine. If splurge money were no object, I would regularly purchase higher-quality garments. However, until I hit the jackpot, I will be saving on affordable look-alikes, especially for trends that may come and go in one season.

How was everyone’s holidays? We headed up to Mammoth Lakes on Christmas to spend a few days in the snow! If you didn’t noticed from my previous Instagram photos, I LOVE the snow! Like giddy child, love the snow! I used to go to Colorado multiple times a year as a kid and young adult to hike, mountain bike and ski. It’s been a while since I have actually been in tons of snow! Mammoth was dumped on the week prior to us coming so it was perfect and even snowed on us the day we got there. We don’t get any snow in Austin so any chance I have for a white Christmas; count me in!

I finally got to bundle up and be a frozen snow bunny! The day before we left for this trip I found the cutest fur trimmed hooded jacket at Banana Republic that was on sale and then 50% off of that!! PSSTTTT… They’re sale is still going on!

I can’t believe this is one of my last blog posts of 2015! What a whirl wind it has been!! Stay tuned for my New Years Resolution post tomorrow! 😉

In the meantime, head over to Shop Sosie! I just found this adorable online boutique and fell in love with everything! Their vision is to enable young women to showcase their unique personalities through fashion. Whether your style is clean and classic, bohemian, or a delicate ingénue, you are sure to find something to suit your style at extremely affordable price points!